Could 3D printing be the future of transplants?

With a limited supply of readily available transplantable organs, researchers are looking for innovative alternatives for organ transplants—and 3D printing could be an answer.

3D printing has grown leaps and bounds in recent years, with the technology now able to create organ replicas within hours. One day, 3D printing could be improved to develop systems capable of replenishing body cells, pump blood and help patients live longer.

"By quickening the procedure of manufacturing and design, 3D printing helps lower the costs of much-needed medical devices, be it prosthetics or even organ cells," said Eric Johnson, CEO of Rev.1 Engineering. "It will truly be amazing to witness a real-life organ entirely via 3D printing. It would certainly be a much-needed breakthrough."